Ron Smith was announced as the new Johnson High girls basketball coach Thursday by principal Damon Gibbs.

Smith was first interviewed for the position Monday and offered the position Thursday morning. His hiring must be formally approved by the county school board at its meeting Monday.

Smith takes over for Michael Youngblood, who accepted the boys coaching position at Oconee County on April 29. Youngblood spent two seasons coaching the Lady Knights.

Smith says he was drawn to Johnson with the "family atmosphere of the school" and its success in athletics.

"I didn't want to accept a coaching position just to have a job," Smith said. "I want to be at a school that I know can succeed."

He said he plans to meet with the returning players and parents next week to get to know them and discuss his expectations for the program. Smith, who has a 197-65 career record, said he wants to get started quickly with summer camps coming up at the school.

Smith, a 1985 North Hall High graduate, has coached basketball for 14 seasons including Pike County (1991-1993), Alexander (1994-1998), Harvester Christian Academy (1999-2000) and Jackson County (2001-2003). He also coached boys track and field at Norcross (2004-2005).

At Pike County, he won the Region 5-AA title and made a trip to the state semifinals. He also led Harvester Christian Academy to the state final four.